Enzo Cucchi

Italian, b. 1949

As one of the pioneers of the Transavanguardia—Italy’s answer to Neo-expressionism—Enzo Cucchi is known for his revival of figurative drawing and symbolism. Working in large scale, Cucchi’s textured surfaces and instinctual charcoal lines can resemble cave paintings, and indeed much of his imagery includes primitive tools, livestock, flames, and eyes. Like his fellow Transavanguardians Francesco Clemente and Sandro Chia, Cucchi’s earth tone compositions are infused with violence. The confidence in gesture and colors lend his tableaux immediacy and drama.

As one of the pioneers of the Transavanguardia—Italy’s answer to Neo-expressionism—Enzo Cucchi is known for his revival of figurative drawing and symbolism. Working in large scale, Cucchi’s textured surfaces and instinctual charcoal lines can resemble cave paintings, and indeed much of his imagery includes primitive tools, livestock, flames, and eyes. Like his fellow Transavanguardians Francesco Clemente and Sandro Chia, Cucchi’s earth tone compositions are infused with violence. The confidence in gesture and colors lend his tableaux immediacy and drama.